Murmuration is inspired by the phenomenon of starlings flying together in a large flock. The music reflects the graceful and fluid motion of a murmuration as the birds shift direction while behaving like a single organism.

Rising and falling figures move across the piano, continually changing shape and direction. These gestures are intended to capture the undulating flight patterns, fluidity, and grace of the flock.

The movement was composed in 2015 for pianist Lisa Moore. Murmuration is the first movement of Three Movements for Piano, but it may also be performed separately as an individual work.

—SC